Caps recall John Carlson, shuffle lines

The Caps have recalled John Carlson from Hershey. The defenseman was a first-round pick last season, and has quickly become one of the top prospects at his position.

He could make his NHL debut tomorrow night against Montreal. The Caps could be without as many as seven guys from the opening-night lineup, including four forwards, two defensemen and goaltender Jose Theodore.

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If everyone else remains healthy, Carlson could be the only call-up. Tyler Sloan has shifted to forward this morning to fill in the extra hole.

Here’s the new forward lines:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Fleischmann

Laich-Morrison-Clark

Perreault-Steckel-Fehr

Sloan-Beagle-Bradley

Shaone Morrisonn is on the ice, so if he were able to play, then Carlson’s debut might be on hold.